Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything
Not All Propaganda is Art 6: The Kitsch Debate
Mar 5, 2024
Jefferson Pooley, a professor of media and communication at Muhlenberg College, dives into the fascinating 1959 Kitsch debate during the Cold War. He illuminates the clash between Nixon and Khrushchev over cultural values, revealing the nuances of mass culture and its critics. Pooley discusses the implications of mid-cult versus high culture, highlighting Dwight Macdonald's controversial views and his unproduced essay 'America, America.' The conversation also explores the tension between consumerism, kitsch awareness, and the evolving role of media in shaping public perception.
01:04:08
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Quick takeaways
- The 1959 mass culture conference highlighted a cultural showdown on American identity, framing the 'Kitsch Debate' as pivotal in addressing Cold War propaganda concerns.
- Edward Shills reframed kitsch as a sign of evolving public aesthetic sensibilities, challenging critics like Dwight MacDonald who deemed mass culture as devoid of value.
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